Cuomo and the M.T.A. Deal

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CreditAlex Gorodskoy

April 25, 2014

To the Editor:

“With Cuomo’s Help, M.T.A. and Union Reach a Deal” (news article, April 18) included an odd claim by Nicole Gelinas, a right-wing columnist, that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s involvement in the agreement was not “good precedent.” Ms. Gelinas was the only outside person whose point of view you chose to include.

Is Ms. Gelinas aware of the success this governor has had in helping resolve difficult impasses? After a four-week lockout, Governor Cuomo’s involvement in a dispute between Con Ed and the Utility Workers Union of America enabled a new contract. The same result was achieved when the governor intervened between the Communications Workers of America and Verizon Wireless. The list goes on.

What’s more, this agreement represents a far more fiscally responsible contract than the prior ones and will cost the Metropolitan Transportation Authority hundreds of millions of dollars less than the Long Island Rail Road contract recommended by the federal emergency board.

HOWARD GLASER Albany, April 24, 2014

The writer is director of state operations and senior policy adviser to Governor Cuomo.